Overview
- The midair collision over Psatha was reported Sunday and all four crew were located, rescued and taken to the 251st Air Force Hospital, with two patients listed in serious condition and two with minor injuries.
- The helicopters were Bell models hired by the Hellenic Fire Service and had flown from Elefsina air base to fight the Porto Germeno/Psatha blaze when visibility and navigation became hazardous.
- Gusts reported near 100 km/h have repeatedly forced aerial units to stop working, complicating firefighting and prompting ground evacuations and door‑to‑door warnings in coastal villages.
- Fire fronts across Greece have burned more than 16,000 hectares this week, damaged or destroyed dozens of homes and driven mass evacuations in places such as Porto Germeno and Katelios.
- Authorities are continuing firefighting and investigations into the crash while police on Kefalonia arrested a 44‑year‑old on suspicion of deliberately starting a separate fire, and officials warn the coming days will be extremely difficult.